President's Excellence in Teaching Award

Jeannie Little

The President’s Excellence in Teaching Award is awarded to Jeannie Little, an associate professor in the School of Music. This award recognizes instructors who have made exemplary contributions to student learning at MSU. It carries a $2,500 honorarium. 

Little is trombonist and conductor who joined MSU in 2015 as Assistant Professor of Low Brass and as the Director of the University Band. She teaches courses in applied music, performance studies and technique, and nominators highlighted her dedication to creating opportunities for students beyond the classroom and ensemble. 

“Her scholarly integrity, academic rigor, impressive knowledge and ability to convey that to the broad array of students attending our land-grant institution is exemplary,” wrote Eric Funk, a composer and longtime MSU music instructor who retired in 2022, in a letter supporting Little’s nomination. “The common thread is her passion for music and life coupled with an uncompromising commitment to accountability. She has a real magic with students individually and collectively.” 

Little is also part of the Bobcat Brass Trio, a faculty ensemble that performs both on campus and in schools around Montana.  

“This form of education outreach is invaluable to MSU’s impact,” said Jacob Kittleson, a 2023 MSU graduate who now serves in the U.S. Army as an active-duty musician, in a nomination letter. “Taking this level of musicianship on display to the cities and small towns across Montana offers high school students a unique and enriching experience. Dr. Little’s tours not only benefit rural music education but also attract welcome attention to the MSU School of Music.”